Online Counselling

I offer counselling via PlusGuidance, a third party free to use website that is a secure way of offering a skype-type video chat service. This is a free piece of software you can download on to your computer or smart device such as a smart phone or tablet. It offers a video and voice interface, allowing you to talk and see me from your own home. If you are unsure whether it would suit you, a good idea is to set up a free first session via Plus Guidance and see what it is like. A few things to consider:

You will need a device or computer with a web cam and microphone

You will need reliable broadband

You will need a suitably private place to make the video call, and be sure you won't be interrupted

Visit Plus Guidance here

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to see a counsellor face to face. Perhaps you have children, travel a lot for work or live abroad. Maybe you are very busy, care for someone you can't leave or find it difficult to leave the house. Online counselling could work for you, although you will need to consider the following:

Can you find a quiet, private space to make a weekly 50 minute video call, free of interruption?

Will you be able to build the trust you need without meeting face to face?

Is your computer or device private? If not, the browser history could show you have visited Plus Guidance.

How is it different from face to face counselling?Aside from the obvious differences of never or rarely meeting in person, the confidentiality, professionalism and experience of your counsellor is the same. You will need to make payment before the session starts, so this can take a bit more organisation. It will be a very different experience from counselling face to face, but one that might suit you better; it's very personal.

Are there any advantages?This really depends on you, and your preferences and needs. Some advantages could be:

Convenience - if you can't leave the house or travel, it can be a good alternative

There are no travel costs involved

There is no time lost to traveling

You can choose a counsellor based on your needs, rather than who is on the local area

Some people find it easier to 'open up' online, if this is what they want to do

Are there any disadvantages?Again, this really changes from person to person, but some things to consider are:

If some of your issues are about relating to people, this might not be as effective over the internet

It can be good to set aside some time for yourself and leave your normal surroundings to meet a counsellor face to face - many clients report valuing the time they have to look after themselves in this way, and enjoy the routine

Some aspects of relating might be lost, such as body language, which might stop you connecting as well as you might need to do effective work in counselling

You might find it difficult just to talk - counselling face to face opens up other opportunities to work in creative ways which many people find extremely healing

I'm not sure whether I want counselling over the internet, or in person. What should I do?If you are really not sure, a good first step would be to phone or email and book a free session. You can meet face to face even if you are thinking of having internet counselling and talk through your concerns or queries with me. You could try a few sessions via Plus Guidance, and change to face to face counselling if you find it doesn't suit you.

Setting up your first sessionAs with face to face counselling, your first assessment session will be free. Contact me to discuss booking your first session and find out if online counselling is for you.